Onion is an important vegetable crop consumed throughout the world. Owing to this aspect, ICAR-Directorate of Onion and Garlic Research, Pune organized a Kisan Sangoshthi on “Commercial cultivation of onion” in collaboration with ICAR-Indian Institute of Vegetable Research, Varanasi and Agrimitra Farmers Producer Company, Mirzapur in the premises of ICAR-IIVR, Varanasi (UP) on 23rd June, 2025. The Chief Guest Dr. Rajesh Kumar, Director, ICAR-IIVR, Varanasi; Guest of Honour Dr. Nagendra Rai, Head, Crop Improvement, ICAR-IIVR, Varanasi and Dr. V. Mahajan, Director, ICAR-DOGR, Pune graced the occasion. Dr. Amar Jeet Gupta, Principal Scientist (Hort.) and Nodal Officer (TSP) Coordinated the program. About 325 farmers including 240 women from eastern parts of Uttar Pradesh, especially Sonbhadra district attended the program.

The Chief Guest Dr. Rajesh Kumar expressed his happiness about TSP activities on onion and garlic in eastern parts of UP which have improved the income of farmers. He explained about the commercial importance of onion in the country in helping farmers earn substantial income by adopting technologies developed by ICAR-DOGR.

Dr. V Mahajan welcomed all the dignitaries and addressed the farmers to adapt improved onion varieties and production technologies to enhance more income from onion and garlic production and focus should be given on seed production to meet the requirements of quality seeds in this region. Dr. Nagendra Rai motivated the farmers to form groups for cultivation of onion and garlic to increase productivity and earn more income rather than individual farming. Group farming will help them to learn about new technologies developed by ICAR-DOGR and improve the livelihood of the farming community.

Dr. AJ Gupta highlighted the progress and achievement of tribal farmers through TSP activities in eastern parts of Uttar Pradesh especially in Sonbhadra district. He emphasized on promoting onion production in eastern parts of UP and also delivered a lecture on “Commercial cultivation of onion” to enhance onion productivity and livelihood of tribal farmers. Farmers were trained on knowledge of onion from seed to market. ICAR-DOGR conducted more than 525 field demonstrations in eastern parts of UP including 243 demos in Sonbhadra district in collaboration with ICAR-IIVR and Agrimitra FPC and now farmers are earning more income from commercial production of kharif and rabi onion in eastern and non-traditional areas of UP.

Farmers were aware about other vegetable crops in addition to onion and garlic production technologies. Dr. DP Singh, Pr. Scientist, Dr. Neeraj Singh, Pr. Scientist, Dr. S Maurya, Pr. Scientist and Dr. Jagesh Tiwari from ICAR-IIVR gave brief information as desired by farmers. On this occasion, selected farmers were felicitated with certificates for their excellent work in onion cultivation. Dr. AJ Gupta was awarded by Certificate of Appreciation for his outstanding contribution in promotion of kharif onion production in south eastern parts of UP by Agrimitra FPC. The program was ended with vote of thanks by Dr. Govind N. Singh.